Deco talks Pedri, Gavi, Balde, Cubarsi, Raphinha, Olmo, Victor | OneFootball

Barcelona sporting director Deco recently sat down for an in-depth conversation with SPORT, where he discussed key aspects of the club’s current situation.

He reflected on Xavi’s departure, Hansi Flick’s arrival, and the ongoing efforts to renew player contracts. Among the various topics, the focus also shifted to young talents within the squad and their importance to the club’s long-term vision.

Deco made it clear that Barcelona’s main objective during the winter transfer window was not necessarily bringing in new players but securing contract extensions for key figures.

Contract renewals of Pedri and Gavi

Pedri and Gavi’s contracts were recently renewed. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The club successfully renewed the deals of Pedri and Gavi, two players considered vital for the team’s structure and future success.

However, he emphasised that while renewals are important, the primary goal is to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level across all competitions.

“The priority more than renewing is to create a team that can compete at the highest level and for all titles.

“This began a few years ago and is being consolidated. It doesn’t mean that we are going to win everything, but it does mean that we can compete for everything.

“This means thinking about the present and the future and renewing players like Pedri, Gavi or Araujo.” he began saying.

Deco acknowledged the challenges involved, especially for a club like Barcelona, where emotions often run high. However, he pointed out that young players with immense market value must not be allowed to leave, as they represent the backbone of the team’s success.

“It has taken us a long time to have a competitive team again, they are cycles. Some clubs find it more difficult than others.

“Here it is difficult because there is a lot of emotion in between, but we have achieved it. They are young players, with a brutal market value and we cannot afford to lose them.

Speaking about the young players

Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal are very important for Barcelona (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)

In addition to the aforementioned trio, Deco highlighted other young stars who have the potential to grow even further. He singled out Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Fermín Lopez, and Alejandro Balde as players who can significantly develop in the coming years.

He noted that both Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal are exceptional cases, as it is rare for players so young to possess such strong personalities and cope with the intense pressure of playing for Barcelona.

“I guess. Cubarsi and Lamine are different cases. They are weirdos.

“They are strange because they are too young to have the personality they have and withstand the pressure of playing for Barça. They also have quality. And they get together with players who are consolidating.”

Deco also praised the balance within the squad, where promising talents are surrounded by more established figures. Players like Jules Kounde, Araujo, and Raphinha are entering their prime years, while Pedri and Gavi already play with the maturity of much older footballers.

“Kounde is fundamental for the club, Araujo is 25 years old and is in his prime, Balde is growing because by age he is normal, Pedri looks like he is 30 years old and he is 22, Gavi is 20, Raphinha is in his prime.

“They are all maturing and this is key for a team that wants to win titles,” he explained.

Praise for Raphinha

Deco praised Raphinha. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

One player who has particularly stood out this season is Raphinha. Given Deco’s history as his former agent, he was asked whether he expected the Brazilian winger to make such a strong impact.

Deco believes Raphinha had an excellent debut season at Barcelona, helping the team secure the league title. However, he felt that the club’s league triumph was not given the recognition it deserved, which in turn led to certain players being undervalued.

“Raphinha, for me, had a great season in his first year at Barça. We won the league and I think that the title or the players who made it possible were not valued too much. It was a mistake because that league was fundamental.

“As the League was not valued, the players were not valued. It is true that last season was tough and many players did not find their best version.”

Last season proved to be difficult for many individuals, and Raphinha was no exception. His performances did not always meet expectations, leading to speculation about his future.

However, Deco always believed that losing a player of his quality would only weaken the squad. Now, with greater confidence, the right tactical setup, and a coach who trusts him, Raphinha is demonstrating his full potential.

“Raphinha did not have the season that people expected and that is when speculation of all kinds begins, of new players. Internally, in a team plan, my idea has always been not to make the team worse but to always improve.

“If you lose a player like Raphinha you are getting worse. He has the power and age to contribute many things. Then you have to bring that maturity, the confidence of the coach, the position on the pitch to the pitch.”

The Olmo-Victor case

Deco suffered a lot during the Olmo-Victor case. (Photo by Fabio Deinert/Getty Images for Qatar Airways)

Another topic that came up during the interview was the situation involving Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. Deco admitted that he found the process stressful, as making decisions about transfers is far more complex than simply selecting a player and signing him.

“I suffered, because of the responsibility of my job, when you decide to go for a player it’s not to go to the supermarket and buy whatever,” he explained.

He had to engage in extensive discussions with Olmo’s family and representatives while also ensuring the financial conditions were met for the deal to go through.

Victor’s case was similar, as he was determined to join Barcelona, and Deco could empathise with how difficult it must be for a player to arrive and not immediately get playing time.

“For Dani to come I had to talk to him, to his family, to his agent, we had to generate ‘fair play’, take risks. With Pau Víctor, the same.

“He fought to come to Barça. I put myself in their shoes and not playing is hard. The situation was not easy and that’s why I suffered,” he added.

Ultimately, Deco’s insights underline Barcelona’s long-term strategy—securing key renewals, fostering young talents, and ensuring the squad remains competitive for years to come.